School Vacation Week

Come visit the Old State House to learn about Boston’s colonial past! Young visitors can hunt for artifacts using the Old State House scavenger hunt or join our Education Staff in one of our hands-on historical activities: fashion a coat of arms, create your own colonial portrait, design a broadside or make a paper lantern.

Drop in anytime from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM. There is no registration required and all activities are free with admission. Kids 18 and under are FREE with adult admission to the Old State House.

MONDAY: Scavenger HuntExplore the galleries of the Old State House with a series of questions and riddles about the exhibits and artifacts.

TUESDAY: Colonial PortraitsGet dressed up with props and costumes from Colonial Boston and learn about portrait-painting in the 18th century. Check out examples of paintings by John Singleton Copley, then take a selfie or try your hand at drawing your own portrait.

WEDNESDAY: Coats of ArmsFind out about the symbolism of heraldry in coats of arms. What do all the animals and shapes mean? What can you learn from the colors? What's with all the Latin? Create your own coat of arms with stencils and art supplies.

THURSDAY: LanternsLearn the history and significance of the Liberty Tree and the lanterns hung on it and make your own paper lanterns.

FRIDAY: Colonial BroadsidesThese one-sheet posters were a vital part of communication in Colonial America. Hear about some of the uses and history of broadsheets while you make your own with our stamps and supplies.